Michael Slaby Joins Edelman to Lead Digital Practice

Former Technology and New Media Advisor to the White House and Chief Technology Officer for 'Obama for America' appointed EVP, Global Practice Chair

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Edelman

Jun 10, 2010, 06:00 ET

NEW YORK, June 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Edelman, the world's largest independent public relations firm, today announced the appointment of Michael Slaby as Executive Vice President and Global Practice Chair of the firm's Digital practice. Slaby most recently led communications and technology strategy for venture capital firm TomorrowVentures as its Chief Technology Strategist and also served as a technology and new media advisor to the Obama administration.

Before joining TomorrowVentures, Slaby was Technology Director for the Obama Presidential Transition Team, where he led operational and long-term planning for technology including web strategy and utilization, data integration opportunities, infrastructure review, and cybersecurity standards and initiatives. Prior to that, he served as Chief Technology Officer for "Obama for America," where he led the technical strategy and execution for multiple web platforms, data integration, systems and architecture scaling for the general election. He also served as Deputy New Media Director for the campaign, where he was responsible for strategy execution for all web, online fundraising, online organizing, video, text messaging, social media, and design.

Effective June 8, Slaby assumed responsibilities for the Digital practice previously held by Rick Murray, who was recently appointed president of Edelman Chicago, the firm's co-headquarters. Slaby will be based in Chicago and will report to Nancy Ruscheinski, President and Chief Operating Officer, Edelman US and immediate past Chair, Edelman Digital.

"By evolving our Edelman Digital business and continuing to 'digitize' the broader firm, we will continue to bring digital fluency to our clients," said Richard Edelman, President and CEO, Edelman. "Mike has pioneered stakeholder participation through digital engagement, so he is the ideal choice to lead our fast-growing digital business and help to transform our entire firm."

Edelman Digital includes more than 300 employees worldwide and represents approximately 11% of the firm's global revenue. Clients include API, AstraZeneca, eBay, Kraft Foods, RIM, Schering-Plough, Wal-Mart and Unilever. Digital is also a part of nearly every client program worldwide.

Slaby will be responsible for identifying and scaling digital best practices (process, products, tools, technology, and measurement/analytics) while developing intellectual property, brokering cross-region solutions and deploying digital talent and resources around the network.

"I was drawn to Edelman because of its independence, world-class thought leadership and global footprint as a leader in engagement through digital communications," said Slaby. "I look forward to helping the firm chart the course for the PR industry by knitting digital strategy into all strategic communications and continue to grow Edelman Digital into a best-in-class operation globally."

Prior to the Obama campaign, Slaby spent several years working in multimedia and web design as well as application and platform development with a series of startups. He has also served as a communications and technology advisory to multiple non-profit organizations including Livestrong, Citizen Effect and Jumo, and currently sits on the Board of Directors for the latter two.

A graduate of Brown University, Slaby received the John F. Kennedy, Jr. Award for Supporting Youth in Politics in 2009 and speaks regularly to both corporate and nonprofit audiences on communications, technology, and engagement.

About Edelman

Edelman is the world's largest independent public relations firm, with 3,200 employees in 52 offices worldwide. Edelman was named Advertising Age's top-ranked PR firm of the decade; Adweek's "2009 Agency of the Year"; PRWeek's "2009 Agency of the Year" and "UK Consultancy of the Year"; and Holmes Report's "Agency of the Decade," "2009 Best Large Agency to Work For" and "2009 Asia Pacific Consultancy of the Year." Edelman owns specialty firms Blue (advertising), StrategyOne (research), BioScience Communications (medical education and publishing), and MATTER (sports and entertainment). Visit www.edelman.com for more information.